Techniques for release assistance indication assertion

ABSTRACT

Techniques for transmitting data include receiving a message, storing the message in a buffer, and in response to a data session window being open: extracting the message from the buffer; transmitting at least data included in the message to a transceiver via a transmitter; determining that a header of the message includes a last message indicator and determining that the transmitter has transmitted the data to the transceiver; and in response, instructing the transceiver to end the data session window early and transition to a lower power state.

BACKGROUND Field of the Various Embodiments

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally towireless network communications and, more specifically, to releaseassistance indication assertion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A conventional wireless network, such as a cellular network, includes aplurality of nodes configured to communicate with one another. In acommon configuration, a coverage area for a wireless network is obtainedby distributing a set of nodes (e.g., base stations, access points,and/or the like) throughout the coverage area. The nodes are networkedtogether through one or more wireless or wired connections and thentypically provide access to other networks, such as the Internet. Theset of nodes is distributed throughout the coverage area so that anendpoint (e.g., a user device, a data acquisition device, and/or thelike) located anywhere in the coverage area is within wirelesscommunication range of at least one of the nodes. A discovery processbetween an endpoint and one or more nodes of the wireless network allowsthe endpoint to establish a connection with one of the nodes and usethat connection to communicate with other devices also in communicationwith the wireless network.

To avoid communication interference between the endpoints and the nodes,many wireless networks assign specific time slots or data sessionwindows for each of the endpoints. The time slots assigned to anendpoint specify the time periods when data and/or other information canbe exchanged between the endpoint and the node to which the endpoint isconnected. This significantly reduces the likelihood that data orinformation transmitted by one endpoint or node interferes with the dataor information transmitted by another endpoint or node. Because anendpoint does not always know when the endpoint is going to receive dataor information from the node, the endpoint is typically required to keepthe transceiver used to communicate with the node active during anentire time slot so that an incoming transmission from the node is notmissed.

Operating the transceiver in an endpoint is fairly power intensive andcan often account for a significant portion of the power consumed by theendpoint. For a mains-powered device (MPD), which is connected to aconstant power source, such as the electrical grid, the power consumedby the transceiver is typically not a concern. However, for abattery-powered device (BPD), the power consumed by the transceiverplays a significant role in effective battery lifetime. For example,even an otherwise idle BPD, such as a cellular or mobile telephone,requires recharging every day or so. However, for BPDs that are notintended to be regularly recharged or are never intended to be recharged(e.g., a remote data acquisition device, such as a utility meter, anInternet of things (IoT) device, and/or other device designed to have anextended battery lifetime without ever recharging), the power consumedby the transceiver plays a significant role in managing the functionallifetime and/or battery size for the BPD.

Transceiver power consumption issues are addressed, in part, in theupcoming Release 15 of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)standard. As part of Release 15, the 3GPP standard provides support fora release assistance indication (RAI) feature that allows an endpoint tonotify a node that the endpoint will be changing the connection statusbetween the endpoint and the node to idle before the end of a currenttime slot. This allows the endpoint to terminate the current time slotearly and shut down the transceiver without having to wait forpermission from the node before doing so. However, even though Release15 of the 3GPP standard supports RAI between endpoints and nodes, thestandard does not describe any techniques for an endpoint to determinewhen and how the endpoint should use the RAI feature.

As the foregoing illustrates, what is needed in the art are techniquesfor determining when and how an endpoint should assert RAI.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure set forth acomputer-implemented method for transmitting data. The method includesreceiving a message, storing the message in a buffer, and in response toa data session window being open: extracting the message from thebuffer; transmitting at least data included in the message to atransceiver via a transmitter; determining that a header of the messageincludes a last message indicator and determining that the transmitterhas transmitted the data to the transceiver; and in response,instructing the transceiver to end the data session window early andtransition to a lower power state.

Other embodiments include, without limitation, a packet processor andone or more computer readable media including instructions forperforming one or more aspects of the disclosed techniques and anapparatus that implements one or more aspects of the disclosedtechniques.

At least one technical advantage of the disclosed techniques relative tothe prior art is that, with the disclosed techniques, an endpoint isable to save significant power by asserting RAI to end a data sessionwindow early allowing a transceiver of the endpoint to consume lesspower. By saving power, an effective battery lifetime of the endpointcan be substantially extended. Additionally and/or alternatively, thepower savings can also allow an endpoint to achieve a same effectivebattery lifetime using a smaller and/or less expensive battery than anendpoint not using the disclosed techniques. These technical advantagesrepresent one or more technological improvements over prior artapproaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the variousembodiments can be understood in detail, a more particular descriptionof the inventive concepts, briefly summarized above, may be had byreference to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in theappended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appendeddrawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the inventive conceptsand are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope in any way, andthat there are other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a network system configured to implement one or moreaspects of the various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a device configured to transmit and receive datawithin the network system of FIG. 1 , according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3A sets forth a diagram of wireless transceiver operation,according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3B sets forth a diagram of wireless transceiver operation,according to various other embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a network device within the network system of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 sets forth a flow diagram of method steps for asserting a releaseassistance indication, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a network device within the network system of FIG. 1, according to various other embodiments;

FIG. 7 sets forth a flow diagram of method steps for asserting a releaseassistance indication, according to various other embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a network device within the network system of FIG. 1, according to various additional embodiments;

FIG. 9 sets forth a flow diagram of method steps for generating datamessages, according to various additional embodiments; and

FIG. 10 sets forth a flow diagram of method steps for asserting arelease assistance indication, according to various additionalembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a more thorough understanding of the various embodiments.However, it will be apparent to one of skilled in the art that theinventive concepts may be practiced without one or more of thesespecific details.

System Overview

FIG. 1 illustrates a network system configured to implement one or moreaspects of the present embodiments. As shown, network system 100includes a plurality of endpoints, a wireless network 120, and a controlcenter 140. The endpoints include mains-powered devices (MPDs) 112and/or battery-powered devices (BPDs) 114. MPDs 112 draw power from anexternal power source, such as mains electricity or a power grid. MPDs112 typically operate on a continuous basis without powering down forextended periods of time. BPDs 114 draw power from an internal powersource, such as a battery. BPDs 114 typically operate intermittently andpower down for extended periods of time in order to conserve batterypower. MPDs 112 and BPDs 114 are configured to gather sensor data,process the sensor data, and communicate data processing results andother information to control center 140 through wireless network 120and/or one or more backhaul networks 130.

Each of the MPDs 112 and BPDs 114 are configured to communicate withwireless network 120 by establishing wireless communication connectionswith a base station (or node) 122 in wireless network 120. The wirelesscommunication connections allow MPDs 112 and BPDs 114 to exchange datawith base stations 122 in wireless network 120 by transmitting and/orreceiving data packets via wireless radio frequency (RF) communications.Each of MPDs 112 and/or BPDs 114 can operate as a source device, anintermediate device, or a destination device for the transmission of anygiven data packet.

MPDs 112 and/or BPDs 114 can transmit data packets through wirelessnetwork 120 to control center 140 and/or receive data packets fromcontrol center 140 through wireless network 120. MPDs 112 and/or BPDs114 can further exchange data packets and/or control packets with basestations 122 in order to establish a connection with a base station 122,maintain a connection with base station 122, and/or exchange data withbase station 122.

Wireless network 120 can include one or more base stations 122 locatedthroughout a coverage area in order to provide wireless connectivity toone or more endpoints, such as MPDs 112 and/or BPDs 114 located withinthe coverage area. Base stations 122 can further be networked togetherso that an MPD 112 and/or a BPD 114 in connection with one of the basestations 122 is able to transmit data packets to any other deviceconnected to and/or coupled with wireless network 120, such as any ofMPDs 112, BPDs 114, base stations 122, and/or the like and/or to devicessuch as control center 140 coupled through the one or more backhaulnetworks 130, such as the Internet. In some embodiments, wirelessnetwork 120 can be a cellular network, such as a cellular networkimplementing the 3GPP standard.

Similarly, control center 140 can transmit and/or receive data packetsacross the one or more backhaul networks 130 and/or wireless network120. Control center 140 includes one or more server machines (not shown)configured to operate as sources for, or destinations of, data packetsthat traverse within network system 100. The server machines can querydevices (e.g., MPDs 112 and/or BPDs 114) within network system 100 toobtain various data, including raw or processed sensor data, energyconsumption data, node/network throughput data, status information, andso forth. The server machines can also transmit commands and/or programinstructions to any device within network system 100 to cause thosenodes to perform various operations. In some embodiments, each servermachine is a computing device configured to execute, via a processor, asoftware application stored in a memory to perform various networkmanagement operations.

MPDs 112 and/or BPDs 114 can likewise include computing device hardwareconfigured to perform processing operations and execute program code.Each MPD 112 and/or BPD 114 can further include variousanalog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), harmonic oscillators, transceivers, and any othercomponents generally associated with RF-based communication hardware.FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary MPD 112 and/or BPD 114 that can operatewithin the network system 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a network device 200 configured to transmit andreceive data within network system 100, according to variousembodiments. As shown, network device 200 includes a computing device210 coupled to a wireless transceiver 250 and an oscillator 260.Computing device 210 coordinates the operations of network device 200.Wireless transceiver 250 is configured to transmit and receive datapackets across network system 100 using various communicationconnections. In some embodiments, wireless transceiver 250 can beconsistent with any wireless transceiver, such as a cellular modem, acellular radio, and/or the like. Oscillator 260 provides one or moreoscillation signals according to which the transmission and reception ofdata packets can be scheduled. Network device 200 can be used toimplement any of MPDs 112, BPDs 114, and/or base stations 122 of FIG. 1.

Computing device 210 includes a processor 220, input/output (I/O)devices 230, and memory 240, coupled together. Processor 220 can includeany hardware configured to process data and execute softwareapplications, such as software application 242. In general, processor220 retrieves and executes programming instructions stored in memory240. Processor 220 can be any technically feasible form of processingdevice configured to process data and execute program instructions.Processor 220 could be, for example, one or more central processingunits (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), graphics processingunits (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs),field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and/or the like. Processor 220stores and retrieves application data residing in the memory 240.Processor 220 is included to be representative of a single processor,multiple processors, a single processor having multiple processingcores, and the like. In operation, processor 220 is the master processorof network device 200, controlling and coordinating operations of othersystem components. Memory 240 stores software applications and data foruse by processor 220. Processor 220 executes software applications, suchas software application 242, also referred to herein as softwareapplication programs, stored within memory 240 and optionally anoperating system. In particular, processor 220 executes softwareinstructions and then performs one or more of the functions andoperations set forth in the present application.

Processor 220 can include a real-time clock (RTC) (not shown) accordingto which processor 220 maintains an estimate of the current time. Theestimate of the current time can be expressed in Universal CoordinatedTime (UTC), although any other standard of time measurement can also beused. I/O devices 230 include devices configured to receive input,devices configured to provide output, and devices configured to bothreceive input and provide output. Memory 240 can be implemented by anytechnically feasible storage medium, including RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM,and/or the like.

Memory 240 includes, without limitation, a software application 242 andan optional database 244, coupled together. Software application 242includes program instructions that, when executed by processor 220,performs any one or more of the computer-based techniques describedherein. Software application 242 can also interface with wirelesstransceiver 250 to establish connections with other devices in networksystem 100, manage existing connections, coordinate the transmission andreception of data packets across network system 100, and/or the likebased on timing signals generated by oscillator 260. Database 244 caninclude various data structures retrieved by and/or stored by thesoftware application 242.

Wireless Transceiver Operation

As discussed above, one of the tasks of software application 242 is tointerface and control wireless transceiver 250. In order to facilitatecommunication using wireless transceiver 250, software application 242configures wireless transceiver 250 based on a protocol or standardgoverning communication between MPD 112 and/or BPD 114 and a basestation 122 and/or based on communications parameters negotiated betweenMPD 112 and/or BPD 114 and base station 122. The communicationsparameters can include one or more of a frequency band forcommunication, a signal strength, an encoding scheme, a signalingscheme, packet formats, time slots and/or data session windows for whencommunication is to take place, and/or the like.

FIG. 3A sets forth a diagram of wireless transceiver operation,according to various embodiments. FIG. 3A depicts a simplified powerconsumption profile 300 for a wireless transceiver, such as wirelesstransceiver 250, when operating according to a protocol where the device(e.g., MPD 112 and/or BPD 114) using the wireless transceiver isassigned a data session window for sending and/or receiving data packetswith another device (e.g., base station 122). In some embodiments, powerconsumption profile 300 can be consistent with a cellular modem and/orcellular radio operating under a 3GPP or other standard. As shown inFIG. 3A, power consumption profile 300 shows the power consumed by thewireless transceiver during three phases of operation. During a wakeupphase 310, the wireless transceiver is transitioned from an idle stateto a fully active state. During the wakeup phase 310, the wirelesstransceiver can consume power at approximately half of a peak rate ofconsumption for the wireless transceiver. At the end of wakeup phase310, the wireless transceiver enters a fully active state and remains inthe fully active state for the duration of a data session window 320.When the wireless transceiver is in the fully active state, the wirelesstransceiver consumes peak or near peak power. During data session window320, the wireless transceiver is kept in the fully active state so thatthe wireless transceiver can be used to transmit data packets and/orreceive data packets. After data session window 320, the wirelesstransceiver is transitioned to a housekeeping phase 330 (sometimescalled a discontinuous reception phase) where the wireless transceiveris periodically activated to look for paging signals and/or the like.The process of operating the wireless transceiver in wakeup phase 310,data session window 320, and housekeeping phase 330 then repeats aroundeach data session window 320 assigned to the device.

In wireless protocols using data session windows, the wirelesstransceiver is often required to be kept in the fully active state forthe entire duration of the data session window (e.g., data sessionwindow 320) even when the device (e.g., MPD 112 and/or BPD 114) usingthe wireless transceiver does not have any data packets to transmit.This allows the wireless transceiver and the device to receive any datapackets, such as unsolicited data packets. For example, the device canreceive command and/or other data packets from control center 140. Whenthere are no data packets being exchanged using the wireless transceiverduring data session window 320, the wireless transceiver remains in thefully active state where the wireless transceiver continues to consumepower at a peak or near peak level.

FIG. 3B sets forth a diagram of wireless transceiver operation,according to various other embodiments. FIG. 3B depicts a simplifiedpower consumption profile 350 for a wireless transceiver when operatingaccording to a protocol where the device is assigned a data sessionwindow for sending and/or receiving data packets with another device,but also allows the device to terminate the data session window early.For example, the wireless protocol can support early data session windowtermination using RAI or a similar technique. As shown in FIG. 3B, powerconsumption profile 350 shows the power consumed by the wirelesstransceiver during three phases of operation. During a wakeup phase 360,the wireless transceiver is transitioned from an idle state to a fullyactive state. During the wakeup phase 360, the wireless transceiver canconsume power at approximately half of a peak rate of consumption forthe wireless transceiver. At the end of wakeup phase 310, the wirelesstransceiver enters a fully active state for a data session window 370.In contrast to power consumption profile 300 of FIG. 3A, in powerconsumption profile 350, the device is able to terminate data sessionwindow 370 early by asserting an RAI or similar indication at time 380.The RAI allows the device to signal to another device (e.g., a basestation 122) that the device is ending data session window 370 and istransitioning to a housekeeping phase 390 early. For example, the devicecan choose to assert the RAI or other indication when the device hastransmitted the data packets ready for transmission during data sessionwindow 370.

Advantageously, by ending data session window 370 early, the device isable to transition the wireless transceiver from the high powerconsumption active state to the much lower power consumption duringhousekeeping phase 390. As a result, the device is often able tosignificantly reduce the power consumed by the wireless transceiver.This power reduction can greatly extend battery lifetime in a BPD 114and/or allow for a longer battery lifetime using a smaller battery inBPD 114.

Release Assistance Indication (RAI) Assertion

FIG. 4 illustrates a network device 400 within network system 100,according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, network device400 is consistent with any one of MPDs 112, BPDs 114, and/or networkdevice 200. As shown, network device 400 includes a computing device 410coupled to a wireless transceiver 450 and an oscillator 460. Computingdevice 410 coordinates the operations of network device 400. Wirelesstransceiver 450 is configured to transmit and receive data packetsacross network system 100 using various communication connections. Insome embodiments, wireless transceiver 450 can be consistent with anywireless transceiver, such as a cellular modem, a cellular radio, and/orthe like. Oscillator 460 provides one or more oscillation signalsaccording to which the transmission and reception of data packets can bescheduled. Network device 400 can be used to implement any of MPDs 112,BPDs 114, and/or base stations 122 of FIG. 1 and/or network device 200of FIG. 2 .

Computing device 410 includes a processor 420, input/output (I/O) pin432, universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART) 434, and memory440, coupled together. Although not shown, computing device 410 canfurther include other I/O devices, such as I/O devices 230. Processor420 can include any hardware configured to process data and executesoftware applications, such as software application 442. In general,processor 420 retrieves and executes programming instructions stored inmemory 440. Processor 420 can be any technically feasible form ofprocessing device configured to process data and execute programinstructions. In some embodiments, processor 420 is consistent withprocessor 220. In operation, processor 420 is the master processor ofnetwork device 400, controlling and coordinating operations of othersystem components. Memory 440 stores software applications and data foruse by processor 420. Processor 420 executes software applications, suchas software application 442, also referred to herein as softwareapplication programs, stored within memory 440 and optionally anoperating system. In particular, processor 420 executes softwareinstructions and then performs one or more of the functions andoperations set forth in the present application. In some embodiments,memory 440 is consistent with memory 240.

Memory 440 includes, without limitation, a software application 442 andan optional database 444, coupled together. Software application 442includes program instructions that, when executed by processor 420,performs any one or more of the computer-based techniques describedherein. Software application 442 can also interface with wirelesstransceiver 450 to establish connections with other devices in networksystem 100, manage existing connections, coordinate the transmission andreception of data packets across network system 100, and/or the likebased on timing signals generated by oscillator 460. Database 444 caninclude various data structures retrieved by and/or stored by thesoftware application 442.

I/O pin 432 is coupled between processor 420 and wireless transceiver450 in order to provide an RAI command signal to wireless transceiver450. In response to the RAI command signal, wireless transceiver 450asserts RAI to notify the device that network device 400 iscommunicating with that wireless transceiver 450 is ending a currentdata session window early and is transitioning to a housekeeping phase,such as is consistent with the embodiments of FIG. 3B. The RAI commandsignal can be any type of digital signal such as an active lowindication, an active high indication, a high pulse, a low pulse, and/orthe like. I/O pin 432 can be any type of I/O pin including a dedicatedRAI pin, a programmable I/O pin, an output only I/O pin, abi-directional I/O pin, and/or the like. In some embodiments, I/O pin432 can be programmed using one or more registers (not shown) incomputing device 410. In some embodiments, software application 642 canaccess the functionality of I/O pin 632 using one or more applicationprogramming interface (API) functions. In some embodiments, I/O pin 432can be connected to a dedicated RAI pin on wireless transceiver 450. Inother embodiments, I/O pin 432 can be connected to a programmable I/Opin on wireless transceiver 450 that can be programmed to receive theRAI command signal.

UART 434 is coupled between processor 420 and wireless transceiver 450to provide a data path between network device 400 and wirelesstransceiver 450. UART 434 receives data from processor 420 (e.g., underthe direction of software application 442) that is to be sent towireless transceiver 450 for transmission to another device in networksystem 100. UART 434 further receives data from wireless transceiver 450that is transmitted to network device 400 by other devices in networksystem 100. The data sent and/or received by UART 434 and/or wirelesstransceiver 450 can include one or more data packets, and/or the like.The data path between UART 434 and/or wireless transceiver 450 can beany form of data path including a serial data path, a parallel datapath, a bus, and/or the like. UART 434 also includes one or more commandand/or status registers usable by processor 420 and/or softwareapplication 442 to configure, control, and/or monitor UART 434. In someembodiments, UART 434 can further include one or more transmit orreceive buffers to temporarily store data being sent to or received fromwireless transceiver 450. UART 434 can further be used by processor 420and/or software application 442 to send commands (e.g., AT commandsand/or the like) to wireless transceiver 450. In some embodiments,software application 442 can access the functionality of UART 434 usingone or more API functions. And although shown as part of computingdevice 410, UART 434 can be separate from computing device 410. Forexample, UART 434 can be on a same board as computing device 410, withina same system on a chip (SoC) as computing device 410, and/or the like.

In operation, software application 442 executing on processor 420manages the transmission of data from network device 400 to otherdevices in network system 100, such as control center 140. Softwareapplication 442 first identifies data to be transmitted by networkdevice 400. In some embodiments, the data can correspond to dataacquired by a data acquisition system associated with network device400, data obtained from a utility meter, data associated with an IoTdevice, and/or the like. For example, software application 442 canperiodically collect data using one or more sensors that are used tomonitor other devices and/or activities. In some examples, the data canbe identified and/or acquired by software application 442 before and/orduring a current data session window.

Software application 442 then sends the data to wireless transceiver 450using UART 434. In some examples, software application 442 can send thedata to UART 434 before a next data session window begins or can waituntil a current data session window begins. In some examples, softwareapplication 442 can send one or more data write commands to UART 434where the data is written into a transmit buffer of UART 434. Inresponse, UART 434 can send the data from the transmit buffer towireless transceiver 450 using the data path between UART 434 andwireless transceiver 450. In some examples, software application 442 cansend the data to UART 434 until UART 434 indicates to softwareapplication 442 that a transmit buffer of UART 434 is full, with anyadditional data remaining to be transmitted being held in a buffer ofsoftware application 442 until UART 434 indicates that UART 434 hastransmit buffer space available. In some examples, software application442 can check the status of the transmit buffer by reading one or morestatus registers of UART 434.

When software application 442 determines that there is no further dataready to be transmitted, software application 442 checks with UART 434to determine whether the transmit buffer of UART 434 is empty,indicating that UART 434 has transmitted all of the data in the transmitbuffer to wireless transceiver 450. As soon as UART 434 indicates thatthe transmit buffer is empty, software application 442 can send the RAIcommand signal to wireless transceiver 450 using I/O pin 432. In someembodiments, software application 442 can also delay for a configurableperiod of time after receiving the indication from UART 434 that thetransmit buffer is empty before sending the RAI command signal towireless transceiver 450 using I/O pin 432. In alternate embodiments,software application 442 can delay for a configurable period of timeafter sending the last data to UART 434 to allow the transmit buffer ofUART 434 to empty before sending the RAI command signal to wirelesstransceiver 450. In response to receiving the RAI command signal,wireless transceiver 450 asserts RAI to the device (e.g., a base station122) to which wireless transceiver 450 is wirelessly connected andtransitions wireless transceiver 450 from a fully active state to alower power state, such as the lower power state of housekeeping phase390.

In some embodiments, software application 442 can use techniques otherthan the RAI command signal on I/O pin 432 to instruct wirelesstransceiver 450 to assert RAI and transition to the low power state. Insome examples, software application 442 can send a command to wirelesstransceiver 450 through UART 434 instructing wireless transceiver 450 toassert RAI and transition to the lower power state. In some examples,software application 442 can embed an RAI bit or other flag (e.g., in aheader) in a data packet sent to wireless transceiver 450 indicatingthat RAI can be asserted and the wireless transceiver 450 transitionedto the low power state after transmission of the data packet iscomplete. Data identified by software application 442 after the RAIcommand signal is sent is buffered by software application 442 until anext data session window opens.

Software application 442 can also handle other data exchange tasks usingUART 434 and/or wireless transceiver 450. In some examples, softwareapplication 442 can send additional commands and/or configurationinformation to UART 434 and/or wireless transceiver 450 and/or receivestatus information from UART 434 and/or wireless transceiver 450. Insome examples, software application 442 can receive data packets fromUART 434 and/or wireless transceiver 450 (e.g., from control center 140)and/or respond to the received data packets.

FIG. 5 sets forth a flow diagram of method steps for asserting a releaseassistance indication, according to various embodiments. Although themethod steps are described in conjunction with the systems of FIGS. 1, 2, and/or 4, persons skilled in the art will understand that any systemcan be configured to perform the method steps in any order. In someembodiments, step 502 can be performed in parallel with steps 504-510.

As shown, a method 500 begins at step 502 where software application 442executing on processor 420 identifies data to be transmitted. In someembodiments, the data can correspond to data acquired by network device400 as network device 400 performs operations such as data acquisitionand/or other processing. Software application 442 can store the data inone or more buffers, in database 444, and/or the like. In someembodiments, software application 442 can further assemble the data intoone or more data packets for transmission over a wireless network usingwireless transceiver 450.

At a step 504, software application 442 sends the data identified duringstep 502 to wireless transceiver 450 using UART 434. For example,software application 442 can send one or more data write commands toUART 434 where the data is written into a transmit buffer of UART 434.In response, UART 434 can send the data from the transmit buffer towireless transceiver 450 for transmission by wireless transceiver 450 toanother device (e.g., a base station 122).

At a step 506, software application 442 determines whether there is anyadditional data that is ready to send to wireless transceiver 450 fortransmission. In some examples, software application 442 can determinewhether there is additional data to send by determining whether the oneor more buffers of software application 442 are empty and/or whetherthere is any additional data in database 444 that is ready to send. Whenthere is additional data to send, software application 442 returns tostep 504 to send the data to wireless transceiver 450. Additionallyand/or alternatively, software application 442 can return to step 502 todetermine whether additional data is identified. When there is noadditional data to send, software application 442 proceeds to a step508.

At step 508, software application 442 determines whether UART 434 hasfinished sending all the data previously sent to UART 434 to wirelesstransceiver 450. In some examples, software application 442 can read oneor more status registers and/or status pins of UART 434 to determinewhether the transmit buffer of UART 434 is empty indicating that all thedata sent to UART 434 by software application 442 has been sent towireless transceiver 450. When UART 434 has not finished sending all thedata to wireless transceiver 450, software application 442 repeats step508 until UART 434 indicates that all the data has been sent.Additionally and/or alternatively, software application 442 can repeatone or more of steps 502, 504, and/or 506 before repeating step 508.When UART 434 has finished sending all the data to wireless transceiver450, software application 442 moves to a step 510.

At step 510, software application 442 begins the process for assertingRAI. In some examples, software application 442 sends an RAI commandsignal to wireless transceiver 450 using I/O pin 432 to instructwireless transceiver to assert RAI. In some examples, softwareapplication 442 can send a command to wireless transceiver 450 usingUART 434 and/or embed an RAI bit or flag in a last data packet sent towireless transceiver 450. After instructing wireless transceiver 450 toassert RAI, software application 442 returns to step 502 to repeatmethod 500 for another data session window.

FIG. 6 illustrates a network device 600 within network system 100,according to various other embodiments. As shown, network device 600includes a computing device 610 coupled to a wireless transceiver 650and an oscillator 660. Computing device 610 coordinates the operationsof network device 600. Wireless transceiver 650 is configured totransmit and receive data packets across network system 100 usingvarious communication connections. In some embodiments, wirelesstransceiver 650 can be consistent with any wireless transceiver, such asa cellular modem, a cellular radio, and/or the like. Oscillator 660provides one or more oscillation signals according to which thetransmission and reception of data packets can be scheduled. Networkdevice 600 can be used to implement any of MPDs 112, BPDs 114, and/orbase stations 122 of FIG. 1 and/or network device 200 of FIG. 2 .

Computing device 610 includes a processor 620, input/output (I/O) pin632, UART 634, memory 640, queue 670, and RAI logic 680 coupledtogether. Although not shown, computing device 610 can further includeother I/O devices, such as I/O devices 230. Processor 620 can includeany hardware configured to process data and execute softwareapplications, such as software application 642. In general, processor620 retrieves and executes programming instructions stored in memory640. Processor 620 can be any technically feasible form of processingdevice configured to process data and execute program instructions. Insome embodiments, processor 620 is consistent with processor 220. Inoperation, processor 620 is the master processor of network device 600,controlling and coordinating operations of other system components.Memory 640 stores software applications and data for use by processor620. Processor 620 executes software applications, such as softwareapplication 642, also referred to herein as software applicationprograms, stored within memory 640 and optionally an operating system.In particular, processor 620 executes software instructions and thenperforms one or more of the functions and operations set forth in thepresent application. In some embodiments, memory 640 is consistent withmemory 240.

Memory 640 includes, without limitation, a software application 642 andan optional database 644, coupled together. Software application 642includes program instructions that, when executed by processor 620,performs any one or more of the computer-based techniques describedherein. Software application 642 can also interface with wirelesstransceiver 650 to establish connections with other devices in networksystem 100, manage existing connections, coordinate the transmission andreception of data packets across network system 100, and/or the likebased on timing signals generated by oscillator 660. Database 644 caninclude various data structures retrieved by and/or stored by thesoftware application 642.

I/O pin 632 is coupled between RAI logic 680 and wireless transceiver650 in order to provide an RAI command signal to wireless transceiver650. In response to the RAI command signal, wireless transceiver 650asserts RAI to notify the device that network device 600 iscommunicating with that wireless transceiver 650 is ending a currentdata session window early and is transitioning to a housekeeping phase,such as is consistent with the embodiments of FIG. 3B. The RAI commandsignal can be any type of digital signal such as an active lowindication, an active high indication, a high pulse, a low pulse, and/orthe like. I/O pin 632 can be any type of I/O pin including a dedicatedRAI pin, a programmable I/O pin, an output only I/O pin, abi-directional I/O pin, and/or the like. In some embodiments, I/O pin632 can be programmed using one or more registers (not shown) incomputing device 610. In some embodiments, software application 642 canaccess the functionality of I/O pin 632 using one or more API functions.In some embodiments, I/O pin 632 can be connected to a dedicated RAI pinon wireless transceiver 650. In other embodiments, I/O pin 632 can beconnected to a programmable I/O pin on wireless transceiver 650 that canbe programmed to receive the RAI command signal.

UART 634 couples computing device 610 to wireless transceiver 650 toprovide a data path between computing device 610 and wirelesstransceiver 650. UART 634 receives data from processor 620 (e.g., underthe direction of software application 642 and/or through queue 670) thatis to be sent to wireless transceiver 650 for transmission to anotherdevice in network system 100. UART 634 further receives data fromwireless transceiver 650 that is transmitted to network device 600 byother devices in network system 100. The data sent and/or received byUART 634 and/or wireless transceiver 650 can include one or more datapackets, and/or the like. The data path between UART 634 and/or wirelesstransceiver 650 can be any form of data path including a serial datapath, a parallel data path, a bus, and/or the like. UART 634 alsoincludes one or more command and/or status registers usable by processor620 and/or software application 642 to configure, control, and/ormonitor UART 634. In some embodiments, UART 634 can further include oneor more transmit or receive buffers to temporarily store data being sentto or received from wireless transceiver 650. UART 634 can further beused by processor 620 and/or software application 642 to send commands(e.g., AT commands and/or the like) to wireless transceiver 650. In someembodiments UART 634 can be similar to UART 434 except that UART 634 canhave a smaller or no transmit buffer allowing UART 634 to be lesscomplex than UART 434. In some embodiments, software application 642 canaccess the functionality of UART 634 using one or more API functions.And although shown as part of computing device 610, UART 634 can beseparate from computing device 610. For example, UART 634 can be on asame board as computing device 610, within a same system on a chip (SoC)as computing device 610, and/or the like.

Queue 670 is responsible for storing the data before the data istransmitted by computing device 610 and/or software application 642using wireless transceiver 650. In practice, queue 670 is a first-infirst-out (FIFO) queue. As software application 642 identifies data tobe transmitted, this data is provided to queue 670. As UART 634 is ableto accept more data to be sent to wireless transceiver 650, the data isremoved from queue 670 and sent to UART 634. For example, during a datasession window (e.g., data session window 370), when wirelesstransceiver 650 is able to transmit data over the wireless network, datais removed from queue 670 (e.g., in FIFO order) and sent to UART 634where the data is then sent to wireless transceiver 650. In someembodiments, the transfer of data from queue 670 to UART 634 depends onwhether UART 634 is ready to receive additional data with the UART 634indicating whether UART 634 has empty space in a transmit buffer toreceive additional data.

Queue 670 further provides an indication of the amount of data in queue670 (e.g., data not yet transmitted by UART 634) to RAI logic 680. Insome examples, queue 670 provides a bit or other flag to RAI logic 680indicating when queue 670 is empty and does not have any further data totransmit. In some embodiments, software application 642 can access thefunctionality of queue 670 using one or more API functions.

RAI logic 680 monitors the amount of data in queue 670 to determine whento send an RAI command signal to wireless transceiver 650 using I/O pin632. In some examples, RAI logic 680 monitors the bit or other flagindicating when queue 670 is empty and generates the RAI command signalin response. In some examples, RAI logic 680 can additionally insert aconfigurable delay between receiving the bit or other flag indicatingwhen queue 670 is empty and the generation of the RAI command signal,such as to account for a delay between queue 670 becoming empty and UART634 transmitting the last of the data to wireless transceiver 650. Insome embodiments, software application 642 can access the functionalityof RAI logic 680 using one or more API functions.

As shown in FIG. 6 , queue 670 and/or RAI logic 680 are implemented inhardware as part of computing device 610. Queue 670 and/or RAI logic 680can be implemented using any hardware-based approach including using oneor more integrated hardware elements of computing device 610, one ormore programmable devices, one or more FPGAs, one or more ASICs and/orthe like. In some embodiments, queue 670 and/or RAI logic 680 can beseparate from computing device 410. For example, queue 670 and/or RAIlogic 680 can be on a same board as computing device 610, within a samesystem on a chip (SoC) as computing device 610, and/or the like. Inembodiments where RAI logic 680 is separate from computing device 610,I/O pin 632 can be omitted and/or implemented as an I/O pin on thedevice where RAI logic 680 is located. And although queue 670 and RAIlogic 680 are depicted as hardware elements, some or all of queue 670and/or RAI logic 680 can be implemented in software either as part ofsoftware application 642 and/or in software separate from softwareapplication 642.

In operation, software application 642 executing on processor 620manages the transmission of data from network device 600 to otherdevices in network system 100, such as control center 140. Softwareapplication 642 first identifies data to be transmitted by networkdevice 600. In some embodiments, the data can correspond to dataacquired by a data acquisition system associated with network device600, data obtained from a utility meter, data associated with an IoTdevice, and/or the like. For example, software application 642 canperiodically collect data using one or more sensors that are used tomonitor other devices and/or activities. In some examples, the data canbe identified and/or acquired by software application 642 before and/orduring a current data session window.

Software application 642 then adds the data to queue 670 indicating thatthe data is to be eventually transmitted by wireless transceiver 650. Insome examples, software application 642 can add the data to queue 670after the data is identified or can wait until a current data sessionwindow begins before adding the data to queue 670.

When a data session window is open, the data is removed from queue 670and then passed to UART 634, which then sends the data to wirelesstransceiver 650 for transmission over the wireless network. In someembodiments, the data can be removed from queue 670 and sent to UART 634under the direction of software application 642 and/or under thedirection of hardware and/or software within queue 670. When RAI logic680 determines that queue 670 is empty, indicating that there is nofurther data ready to be transmitted, RAI logic 680 sends an RAI commandsignal to wireless transmitter 650 using I/O pin 632. In some examples,RAI logic 680 can delay before sending the RAI command signal, such asto account for a delay between queue 670 becoming empty and UART 634transmitting the last of the data to wireless transceiver 650.

In response to receiving the RAI command signal, wireless transceiver650 asserts RAI to the device (e.g., a base station 122) to whichwireless transceiver 650 is wirelessly connected and transitionswireless transceiver 650 from a fully active state to a lower powerstate, such as the lower power state of housekeeping phase 390. Dataidentified by software application 642 after the RAI command signal issent is added to queue 670 by software application 642, where the datais held until a next data session window opens and data is again removedfrom queue 670 and sent to UART 634 for transmission by wirelesstransceiver 650.

In some embodiments, RAI logic 680 can use techniques other than the RAIcommand signal on I/O pin 632 to instruct wireless transceiver 650 toassert RAI and transition to the low power state. In some examples, RAIlogic 680 can send a command to wireless transceiver 650 through UART634 and/or add a command to queue 670 instructing wireless transceiver650 to assert RAI and transition to the lower power state.

Software application 642 can also handle other data exchange tasks usingUART 634 and/or wireless transceiver 650. In some examples, softwareapplication 642 can send additional commands and/or configurationinformation to UART 634 and/or wireless transceiver 650 and/or receivestatus information from UART 634 and/or wireless transceiver 650. Insome examples, software application 642 can receive data packets fromUART 634 and/or wireless transceiver 650 (e.g., from control center 140)and/or respond to the received data packets.

FIG. 7 sets forth a flow diagram of method steps for asserting a releaseassistance indication, according to various other embodiments. Althoughthe method steps are described in conjunction with the systems of FIGS.1, 2 , and/or 6, persons skilled in the art will understand that anysystem can be configured to perform the method steps in any order. Insome embodiments, steps 702 and 704 can be performed in parallel withsteps 706-710.

As shown, a method 700 begins at step 702 where software application 642executing on processor 620 identifies data to be transmitted. In someembodiments, the data can correspond to data acquired by network device600 as network device 600 performs operations such as data acquisitionand/or other processing.

At a step 704, software application 642 adds the data identified duringstep 702 to queue 670. For example, software application 642 can use oneor more API functions to add the data to queue 670. In some embodiments,software application 642 can further assemble the data into one or moredata packets before adding the data to queue 670.

At a step 706, a module, such as RAI logic 680, determines whether queue670 is empty. In some examples, RAI logic 680 monitors a queue empty bitor flag provided by queue 670 to determine when queue 670 is empty. Whenqueue 670 is not empty, method 700 continues with a step 708. When queue670 is empty, method 700 continues with a step 710.

At step 708, data is sent from queue 670 to wireless transceiver 650 viaUART 634. For example, software application 642 and/or queue 670 removedata from queue 670 in FIFO order and provide the data to UART 634 whenUART 634 indicates that there is space in a transmit buffer for UART 634to receive additional data. UART 634 then sends the data to wirelesstransceiver 650 for transmission over the wireless network to anotherdevice (e.g., a base station 122). Method 700 then returns to step 706to again check whether queue 670 is empty. In some embodiments, steps702 and/or 704 can be performed in parallel with step 708 so that whiledata is being sent from queue 670 to wireless transceiver 650,additional data can be identified and/or added to queue 670 using steps702 and/or 704.

At step 710, RAI logic 680 begins the process for asserting RAI. In someexamples, RAI logic 680 sends an RAI command signal to wirelesstransceiver 650 using I/O pin 632 to instruct wireless transceiver 650to assert RAI. In some examples, RAI logic 680 can send a command towireless transceiver 650 using UART 634 and/or add a command to queue670 to provide the RAI command signal to wireless transceiver 650. Afterinstructing wireless transceiver 650 to assert RAI, method 700 isrepeated by returning to step 702.

FIG. 8 illustrates a network device 800 within network system 100,according to various additional embodiments. As shown, network device800 includes a computing device 810 coupled to a wireless transceiver850 and an oscillator 860. Computing device 810 coordinates theoperations of network device 800. Wireless transceiver 850 is configuredto transmit and receive data packets across network system 100 usingvarious communication connections. In some embodiments, wirelesstransceiver 850 can be consistent with any wireless transceiver, such asa cellular modem, a cellular radio, and/or the like. Oscillator 860provides one or more oscillation signals according to which thetransmission and reception of data packets can be scheduled. Networkdevice 800 can be used to implement any of MPDs 112, BPDs 114, and/orbase stations 122 of FIG. 1 and/or network device 200 of FIG. 2 .

Computing device 810 includes a processor 820, a packet processor 830,and memory 840 coupled together. Although not shown, computing device810 can further include other I/O devices, such as I/O devices 230.Processor 820 can include any hardware configured to process data andexecute software applications, such as software application 842. Ingeneral, processor 820 retrieves and executes programming instructionsstored in memory 840. Processor 820 can be any technically feasible formof processing device configured to process data and execute programinstructions. In some embodiments, processor 820 is consistent withprocessor 220. In operation, processor 820 is the master processor ofnetwork device 800, controlling and coordinating operations of othersystem components. Memory 840 stores software applications and data foruse by processor 820. Processor 820 executes software applications, suchas software application 842, also referred to herein as softwareapplication programs, stored within memory 840 and optionally anoperating system. In particular, processor 820 executes softwareinstructions and then performs one or more of the functions andoperations set forth in the present application. In some embodiments,memory 840 is consistent with memory 240.

Memory 840 includes, without limitation, a software application 842 andan optional database 844, coupled together. Software application 842includes program instructions that, when executed by processor 820,performs any one or more of the computer-based techniques describedherein. Software application 842 can also interface with wirelesstransceiver 850 to establish connections with other devices in networksystem 100, manage existing connections, coordinate the transmission andreception of data packets across network system 100, and/or the likebased on timing signals generated by oscillator 860. Database 844 caninclude various data structures retrieved by and/or stored by thesoftware application 842.

In operation, software application 842 executing on processor 820manages the transmission of data from network device 800 to otherdevices in network system 100, such as control center 140. Softwareapplication 842 first identifies data to be transmitted by networkdevice 800. In some embodiments, the data can correspond to dataacquired by a data acquisition system associated with network device800, data obtained from a utility meter, data associated with an IoTdevice, and/or the like. For example, software application 842 canperiodically collect data using one or more sensors that are used tomonitor other devices and/or activities. In some examples, the data canbe identified and/or acquired by software application 842 before and/orduring a current data session window.

Software application 842 then converts the data into one or moremessages. Each of the one or more messages includes a header and apayload that includes at least some of the data that softwareapplication 842 wants to be transmitted wirelessly using wirelesstransceiver 850. The header in each of the messages can include one ormore bits and/or fields that are used to control the behavior of packetprocessor 830 and/or wireless transceiver 850. Software application 842uses at least one of these bits or fields to indicate whether themessage is a last message to be transmitted or whether additionalmessages for transmission will be sent. For example, the bit or fieldcan correspond to an end of transmission (EOT) bit or field. Inexamples, where the EOT is a bit, a last message can be identified by a1 value and a non-last message can be identified by a 0 value, or viceversa.

Software application 842 then sends each of the messages to packetprocessor 830 so that each of the messages except the last message sentto packet processor 830 include the indicator that that message is not alast message and the last message sent to packet processor 830 includesthe indicator that that message is the last message. Softwareapplication 842 sends each of the messages to packet processor 830 usinga communication path between processor 820 and packet processor 830. Insome embodiments, the communication path can include one or more buses,I/O ports, and/or the like.

Packet processor 830 handles communication between computing device 810and wireless transceiver 850. Although not shown in FIG. 8 , packetprocessor 830 includes a control unit and a transmission buffer orqueue, such as a FIFO queue similar to queue 670. The control unit caninclude any hardware configured to process data and coordinate theoperation of packet processor 830. In some embodiments, the control unitcan include one or more CPUs, DSPs, GPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, hardwarecontrollers, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the control unit canexecute instructions stored in a memory.

When packet processor 830 receives a message, a control unit (not shown)in packet processor 830 adds the message to the queue. This allowssoftware application 842 to generate and send messages to packetprocessor 830 without software application 842 having to worry aboutwhether a data session window is open or deal with the timing of sendingmessages to wireless transceiver 850 for transmission over the wirelessnetwork.

Separately from the receiving of messages and the adding messages to thequeue, packet processor 830 further extracts messages from the queue inFIFO order for further processing. In some embodiments, packet processor830 waits to extract messages from the queue until a data session windowopens. The further processing includes forwarding at least the payload(e.g., the data that software application 842 wants transmitted) fromthe message to wireless transceiver 850 for transmission over thewireless network. In some embodiments, packet processor 830 can alsoforward some or all of the header of the message to wireless transceiver850. Thus, in practice, packet processor 830 can strip some, all, ornone of the headers from the message before forwarding the message towireless transceiver 850. In some embodiments, packet processor 830 onlyforwards messages and/or the payloads of messages to wirelesstransceiver 850 when a data session window is open. In some embodiments,packet processor 830 can include a UART similar to UART 434 and/or UART634 to forward the messages to wireless transceiver 850.

As packet processor 830 processes a message extracted from the queue,packet processor 830 examines the header of the message to determinewhether the message is a last message or not, such as by examining theEOT bit or field. When the message is a last message, packet processor830 provides an RAI command signal to wireless transceiver 850. Inresponse to the RAI command signal, wireless transceiver 850 asserts RAIto notify the device that network device 800 is communicating with thatwireless transceiver 850 is ending a current data session window earlyand is transitioning to a housekeeping phase, such as is consistent withthe embodiments of FIG. 3B. In some examples, packet processor 830 canwait a configurable period of time after forwarding the message with thelast message indicator to wireless transceiver 850 before providing theRAI command signal to wireless transceiver 850. The RAI command signalcan be any type of digital signal such as an active low indication, anactive high indication, a high pulse, a low pulse, and/or the like. Insome embodiments, packet processor 830 can provide the RAI commandsignal on an I/O pin consistent with I/O pin 432 and/or I/O pin 632. Insome embodiments, the I/O pin of packet processor 830 can be connectedto a dedicated RAI pin on wireless transceiver 850. In otherembodiments, the I/O pin of packet processor 830 can be connected to aprogrammable I/O pin on wireless transceiver 850 that can be programmedto receive the RAI command signal.

In some embodiments, packet processor 830 can use techniques other thanthe RAI command signal on the I/O pin to instruct wireless transceiver850 to assert RAI and transition to the low power state. In someexamples, packet processor 830 can send a command to wirelesstransceiver 850 after forwarding the last message instructing wirelesstransceiver 850 to assert RAI and transition to the lower power state.In some examples, packet processor 830 can embed an RAI bit or otherflag (e.g., in the header) of the last message forwarded to wirelesstransceiver 850 indicating that RAI can be asserted and the wirelesstransceiver 850 transitioned to the low power state after transmissionof the data packet is complete. In some embodiments, packet processor830 can leave the EOT or other indicator in the last message forwardedto wireless transceiver 850 to act as the RAI command signal.

Packet processor 830 can be implemented using any hardware-basedapproach including using one or more integrated hardware elements ofcomputing device 610, one or more programmable devices, one or moreFPGAs, one or more ASICs and/or the like. In some embodiments, packetprocessor 830 can be separate from computing device 810. For example,packet processor 830 can be on a same board as computing device 810,within a same system on a chip (SoC) as computing device 810, and/or thelike. And although packet processor 830 is depicted as a hardwareelement, some or all of packet processor 830 can be implemented insoftware either as part of software application 842 and/or in softwareseparate from software application 842.

Software application 842 and packet processor 830 can also handle otherdata exchange tasks. In some examples, software application 842 can sendadditional commands and/or configuration information to packet processor830 and/or wireless transceiver 850 and/or receive status informationfrom packet processor 830 and/or wireless transceiver 850. In someexamples, packet processor 830 can send additional commands and/orconfiguration information to wireless transceiver 850 and/or receivestatus information from wireless transceiver 850. In some examples,software application 842 and/or packet processor 830 can receive datapackets and/or other messages from wireless transceiver 850 (e.g., fromcontrol center 140) and/or respond to the received data packets ormessages.

FIG. 9 sets forth a flow diagram of method steps for generating datamessages, according to various additional embodiments. Although themethod steps are described in conjunction with the systems of FIGS. 1, 2, and/or 8, persons skilled in the art will understand that any systemcan be configured to perform the method steps in any order.

As shown, a method 900 begins at step 902 where software application 842executing on processor 820 identifies data to be transmitted. In someembodiments, the data can correspond to data acquired by network device800 as network device 800 performs operations such as data acquisitionand/or other processing.

At a step 904, software application 842 generates one or more messagesbased on the data identified during step 902. For example, softwareapplication 842 can add some or all of the identified data to a payloadof a message. In some embodiments, software application 842 can furtheradd one or more headers to the message to provide commands and/or otherinformation for use by packet processor 830.

At a step 906, software application 842 adds a last message indicator toa header of the message. The last message indicator informs packetprocessor 830 as to whether this is a last message from softwareapplication 842 or whether packet processor 830 should expect to receiveone or more additional messages after this message. For example,software application 842 can use an EOT bit or field in a header of themessage to indicate whether the message is a last message or not.

At a step 908, software application 842 sends the message to packetprocessor 830. Software application 842 sends the message to packetprocessor 830 using a communication path (e.g., a bus and/or I/O port)between processor 820 and packet processor 830. Software application 842then repeats method 900 by returning to step 902 to identify additionaldata to transmit. Additionally and/or alternatively software application842 can return to step 902 when previously identified data takes morethan one message to send the identified data to packet processor 830.

FIG. 10 sets forth a flow diagram of method steps for asserting arelease assistance indication, according to various additionalembodiments. Although the method steps are described in conjunction withthe systems of FIGS. 1, 2, 8 , and/or 9, persons skilled in the art willunderstand that any system can be configured to perform the method stepsin any order. As shown, a method 1000 includes two separate threads thatcan be performed concurrently. A first one of the threads includes steps1002 and 1004, and a second one of the threads includes steps 1006-1012.

As shown, the first thread of method 1000 begins at step 1002 wherepacket processor 830 receives a message. Packet processor 830 receivesthe message using a communication path (e.g., a bus and/or I/O port)coupled to packet processor 830. In some embodiments, the message can bea message sent by software application 842 during step 908. In someexamples, the message can include a payload with data that softwareapplication 842 would like to have transmitted wirelessly.

At a step 1004, packet processor 830 adds the message received duringstep 1002 to a queue, such as a FIFO queue. The first thread of method1000 then returns to step 1002 to receive another message.

As shown, the second thread of method 1000 begins at a step 1006, wherepacket processor 830 extracts a message from the queue. For example,packet processor 830 can extract the message from the queue in FIFOorder from among the messages that were added to the queue by step 1004.In some embodiments, packet processor 830 extracts the message from thequeue only when a current data session window is open.

At a step 1008, packet processor 830 forwards the message extractedduring step 1006 to wireless transceiver 850. In some embodiments,packet processor 830 can optionally remove some or all of the headersfrom the message before forwarding the message to wireless transceiver.In some embodiments, packet processor 830 can use a UART similar to UART434 and/or UART 634 to forward the message to wireless transceiver 850.

At a process 1010, packet processor 830 examines the message todetermine whether the message is a last message to be transmitted. Insome embodiments, packet processor 830 can determine whether the messageis a last message by examining a header of the message. For example,packet processor 830 can determine whether the message is a last messageby examining an EOT bit or field in the header. When the message is nota last message, the second thread of method 1000 returns to step 1006 toprocess a next message in the queue. When the message is a last message,the second thread of method 1000 proceeds to a step 1012.

At step 1012, packet processor 830 begins the process for asserting RAI.In some examples, packet processor 830 sends an RAI command signal towireless transceiver 850 using an I/O pin to instruct wirelesstransceiver 850 to assert RAI. In some examples, packet processor 830can send a command to wireless transceiver 850 instructing wirelesstransceiver 850 to assert RAI and transition to the lower power state.In some examples, packet processor 830 can embed an RAI bit or otherflag (e.g., in the header) of the last message forwarded to wirelesstransceiver 850 during step 1008 and/or leave the EOT bit and/or fieldin the header of the message forwarded to wireless transceiver 850during step 1008 to indicate that RAI can be asserted and the wirelesstransceiver 850 transitioned to the low power state after transmissionof the data packet is complete. Packet processor 830 can then repeat thesecond thread of method 1000 for a next data session window by returningto step 1006.

In sum, a network device transmits data to other devices in a networkduring an assigned data session window using a transceiver. Instead ofkeeping the transceiver operating in a high power state for the entiredata session window, when the network device no longer has data totransmit, the network device uses various techniques to have thetransceiver end the data session window early, which allows thetransceiver to switch to a lower power state. For example, thetransceiver can inform another device in a 3GPP network that thetransceiver is ending a data session window early by asserting releaseassistance indication (RAI) with the another device. The network devicesends data to be transmitted to the transceiver during a data sessionwindow. When the network device has no more data to transmit, thenetwork device sends a command signal to the transceiver on aninput/output pin coupled to the transceiver to have the transceiver endthe data session window early. Alternatively, the network device cansend a command to the transceiver or send a bit or flag with the datasent to the transceiver to have the transceiver end the data sessionwindow early. In some embodiments, the network device can furtherconfirm that the transceiver has sent all the data previously providedto the transceiver before having the transceiver end the data sessionwindow.

In some embodiments, the network device places data to be transmitted bythe transceiver in a queue. As the transceiver is able to transmit data,data is removed from the queue and sent to the transceiver. A modulemonitors the amount of data in the queue and, when the amount of datafalls below a threshold (e.g., the queue becomes empty), the modulesends a command signal to the transceiver on an input/output pin coupledto the transceiver to have the transceiver end the data session windowearly. Alternatively, the module can send a command to the transceiveror send a bit or flag with the data sent to the transceiver to have thetransceiver end the data session window early.

In some embodiments, the network device uses a packet processor tocommunicate with the transceiver. As the network device has data to betransmitted, the network device creates one or more messages that aresent to the packet processor. Each of the messages includes a headerindicating whether the message is a last message to be sent or whetherthere are additional messages for sending. The packet processor sendsdata from each of the messages to the transceiver for transmission andchecks the header of each message to see whether the message is a lastmessage. When the message is a last message, the packet processor sendsa command signal to the transceiver on an input/output pin coupled tothe transceiver to have the transceiver end the data session windowearly. Alternatively, the packet processor can send a command to thetransceiver, send a bit or flag with the data sent to the transceiver,or pass the header with the last message indicator to the transceiver tohave the transceiver end the data session window early.

At least one technical advantage of the disclosed techniques relative tothe prior art is that, with the disclosed techniques, a network deviceis able to save significant power by asserting RAI to end a data sessionwindow early to allow a transceiver of the network device to consumeless power. By saving power, an effective battery lifetime of thenetwork device can be substantially extended. Additionally and/oralternatively, the power savings can also allow a network device toachieve a same effective battery lifetime using a smaller and/or lessexpensive battery than a network device not using the disclosedtechniques. These technical advantages represent one or moretechnological improvements over prior art approaches.

1. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for transmittingdata includes receiving a message, storing the message in a buffer, andin response to a data session window being open: extracting the messagefrom the buffer; transmitting at least data included in the message to atransceiver via a transmitter; determining that a header of the messageincludes a last message indicator and determining that the transmitterhas transmitted the data to the transceiver; and in response,instructing the transceiver to end the data session window early andtransition to a lower power state.

2. The method of clause 1, further comprising transmitting one or moreheaders included in the message to the transceiver via the transmitter.

3. The method of clause 1 or 2, wherein the transmitter is a universalasynchronous receiver transmitter (UART).

4. The method of any of clauses 1-3, wherein determining whether thetransmitter has transmitted the data to the transceiver comprisesdelaying for a configurable period of time.

5. The method of any of clauses 1-4, wherein instructing the transceiverto end the data session window early comprises instructing thetransceiver to initiate a release assistance indication (RAI) with abase station.

6. The method of any of clauses 1-5, wherein instructing the transceiverto end the data session window early comprises sending a command signalon an input/output pin coupled to the transceiver.

7. The method of any of clauses 1-6, wherein instructing the transceiverto end the data session window early comprises sending a command to thetransceiver.

8. The method of any of clauses 1-7, wherein instructing the transceiverto end the data session window early comprises transmitting a bit orflag with the data transmitted to the transceiver.

9. The method of any of clauses 1-8, wherein instructing the transceiverto end the data session window early comprises transmitting the lastmessage indicator with the data transmitted to the transceiver.

10. The method of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the transceiver is awireless transceiver, a cellular modem, or a cellular radio.

11. In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readablemedia storing program instructions that, when executed by one or moreprocessors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps ofreceiving a message, storing the message in a buffer, and in response toa data session window being open: extracting the message from thebuffer; transmitting at least data included in the message to atransceiver via a transmitter; determining that a header of the messageincludes a last message indicator and determining that the transmitterhas transmitted the data to the transceiver; and in response,instructing the transceiver to end the data session window early andtransition to a lower power state.

12. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of clause 11,wherein the transmitter is a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter(UART).

13. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of clause 11or 12, wherein instructing the transceiver to end the data sessionwindow early comprises instructing the transceiver to initiate a releaseassistance indication (RAI) with a base station.

14. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of any ofclauses 11-13, wherein instructing the transceiver to end the datasession window early comprises sending a command signal on aninput/output pin coupled to the transceiver.

15. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of any ofclauses 11-14, wherein the input/output pin is coupled to a programmablepin on the transceiver.

16. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of any ofclauses 11-15, wherein instructing the transceiver to end the datasession window early comprises sending a command to the transceiver.

17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of any ofclauses 11-16, wherein instructing the transceiver to end the datasession window early comprises transmitting a bit or flag with the datatransmitted to the transceiver or transmitting the last messageindicator with the data transmitted to the transceiver.

18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of any ofclauses 11-17, wherein the buffer is a first-in first-out queue.

19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of any ofclauses 11-18, wherein the last message indicator is an end oftransmission bit or flag.

20. In some embodiments, a packet processor includes a buffer and acontrol unit. The control unit receives a message, stores the message inthe buffer, and in response to a data session window being open:extracts the message from the buffer; transmits at least data includedin the message to a transceiver via a transmitter; determines that aheader of the message includes a last message indicator and determinesthat the transmitter has transmitted the data to the transceiver; and inresponse, instructs the transceiver to end the data session window earlyand transition to a lower power state.

Any and all combinations of any of the claim elements recited in any ofthe claims and/or any elements described in this application, in anyfashion, fall within the contemplated scope of the present disclosureand protection.

The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented forpurposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variationswill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Aspects of the present embodiments may be embodied as a system, method,or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the presentdisclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software,micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “module” or“system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take theform of a computer program product embodied in one or more computerreadable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodiedthereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of thedisclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine. The instructions, when executed via the processor ofthe computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, enable theimplementation of the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/orblock diagram block or blocks. Such processors may be, withoutlimitation, general purpose processors, special-purpose processors,application-specific processors, or field-programmable gate arrays.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

While the preceding is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for transmittingdata, comprising: receiving, by a packet processor included in a networkdevice, a message, the message comprising data to be transmitted fromthe network device; storing, by the packet processor, the message in abuffer coupled with the packet processor, and while a data sessionwindow is open: extracting, by the packet processor, the message fromthe buffer; transmitting, by the packet processor using a transmitter ofthe network device, at least data included in the message to atransceiver that is included in the network device, wherein thetransceiver is configured to transmit the data outside of the networkdevice; and in response to (a) determining that a header of the messageincludes a last message indicator and (b) determining that thetransmitter has transmitted the data to the transceiver, instructing, bythe packet processor, the transceiver to end the data session windowearly and transition to a lower power state.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising transmitting, by the packet processor via thetransmitter, one or more headers included in the message to thetransceiver.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is auniversal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART).
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein instructing the transceiver to end the data sessionwindow early comprises instructing the transceiver to initiate a releaseassistance indication (RAI) with a base station.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein instructing the transceiver to end the data session windowearly comprises sending a command signal on an input/output pin coupledto the transceiver.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein instructing thetransceiver to end the data session window early comprises sending acommand to the transceiver.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereininstructing the transceiver to end the data session window earlycomprises transmitting a bit or flag with the data transmitted to thetransceiver.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein instructing thetransceiver to end the data session window early comprises transmittingthe last message indicator with the data transmitted to the transceiver.9. The method of claim 1, wherein the transceiver is a wirelesstransceiver, a cellular modem, or a cellular radio.
 10. One or morenon-transitory computer-readable media storing program instructionsthat, when executed by one or more packet processors included in anetwork device, cause the one or more packet processors to perform thesteps of: receiving a message from one or more processors included inthe network device, the message comprising data to be transmitted fromthe network device; storing the message in a buffer; and while a datasession window is open: extracting the message from the buffer;forwarding, using a transmitter of the network device, at least dataincluded in the message to a transceiver that is included in the networkdevice and is separate from the one or more packet processors and theone or more processors, wherein the transceiver is configured totransmit the data outside of the network device; in response to (a)determining that a header of the message includes a last messageindicator and (b) determining that the transmitter has transmitted thedata to the transceiver, instructing the transceiver to end the datasession window early and transition to a lower power state.
 11. The oneor more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 10, wherein thetransmitter is a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART). 12.The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 10,wherein instructing the transceiver to end the data session window earlycomprises instructing the transceiver to initiate a release assistanceindication (RAI) with a base station.
 13. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media of claim 10, wherein instructing the transceiverto end the data session window early comprises sending a command signalon an input/output pin coupled to the transceiver.
 14. The one or morenon-transitory computer-readable media of claim 13, wherein theinput/output pin is coupled to a programmable pin on the transceiver.15. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 10,wherein instructing the transceiver to end the data session window earlycomprises sending a command to the transceiver.
 16. The one or morenon-transitory computer-readable media of claim 10, wherein instructingthe transceiver to end the data session window early comprisestransmitting a bit or flag with the data transmitted to the transceiveror transmitting the last message indicator with the data transmitted tothe transceiver.
 17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readablemedia of claim 10 wherein the buffer is a first-in first-out queue. 18.The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 10,wherein the last message indicator is an end of transmission bit orflag.
 19. A packet processor comprising: a buffer; and a control unit;wherein the control unit: receives a message from one or more processorsincluded in a network device that includes the packet processor, themessage comprising data to be transmitted from the network device;stores the message in the buffer; and while a data session window isopen: extracts by the control unit the message from the buffer;forwards, using a transmitter of the network device, at least dataincluded in the message to a transceiver that is included in the networkdevice and is separate from the control unit and the one or moreprocessors, wherein the transceiver is configured to transmit the dataoutside of the network device; and in response to (a) determining by thecontrol unit that a header of the message includes a last messageindicator and (b) determining that the transmitter has transmitted thedata to the transceiver, instructs the transceiver to end the datasession window early and transition to a lower power state.